As though her thoughts had summoned him, Ethan appeared in front of her. When he smiled at her, her heart felt as though it had somersaulted in her chest. She swallowed hard, trying to maintain her composure and not let him know just how much his mere presence affected her.

“Are they finished judging the egg-decorating contest?” he asked.

She shook her head. “This year has the biggest turnout ever. Either the town is growing or we did a good job of getting people excited about the festival.”

“I think you made the festival more family-friendly, and expanding it to include everyone in all of the contests was brilliant. I’ve heard people raving about how awesome the festival is this year and how they can’t wait for it next year.”

Hannah smiled brightly as she lightly clapped her hands together in excitement. “That’s the best thing I’ve heard all day.”

“But now people are getting anxious to get on with the relay. Are the judges going to be much longer?”

“I just checked with them and it’s going to be a bit longer. That’s why I’ve decided that we should have a combined awards ceremony at the end of today’s events.”

Ethan’s brows rose in surprise. “I like the way you think.”

She couldn’t help but smile at his compliment. “Well, don’t just stand there. Go tell everyone that it’s time for the relay.”

He sent her a tantalizing smile. It was one of those smiles that made her heart pitter-patter. Her gaze dipped to his lips just before he turned away and headed off to take care of business. And yet it was another opportunity that had slipped through her fingers. If she didn’t work up the courage to tell him how she felt soon, she’d completely miss her chance.

“Ethan and Hannah report to the start line!”

The start line?

What were they talking about? Ethan glanced around for Hannah. Spotting her speaking with Betty, he approached her. “Did you do this?”

“Do what?”

“Sign us up for the jelly bean relay?”

She frowned at him. “Of course not.”

“Someone did. They just called us to the start line.”

“I should be moving along.” Betty turned to walk away.

“Not so fast.” He suspected that Betty knew what was going on. “Betty, who signed us up?”

She hesitantly turned to him but she averted her gaze. “I…I don’t know. Why would you think I would know?”

“Because you can’t look at me and you’re flushed. So out with it.”

“Okay. Okay. It was me.” Her gaze met his. “I told Birdie it wasn’t a good idea but she insisted.”

“Last call,” Mayor Banks called out on his megaphone. “Ethan and Hannah report to the start line.”

“Come on.” Hannah tugged on his arm. “Let’s do it.”

He couldn’t believe he’d been roped into this. He’d narrowly avoided the egg-decorating contest, but his luck had run out now. He followed Hannah to the start line.